Peak Flow Meters (COPD)
Monitoring your peak flow is crucial for managing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis. The peak flow rate is the maximum speed of exhalation after a deep breath. Regular measurement can be a valuable tool in tracking airway diseases, providing early warnings for triggers such as allergens or dust. This allows both doctors and patients to make timely decisions about treatment, potentially preventing severe asthma attacks. Modern asthma management plans often include peak flow meters as they provide more accurate and objective data on breathing difficulties before symptoms like wheezing or coughing appear.
Peak flow meters are essential tools for individuals with asthma or COPD, helping to measure how quickly air can be expelled from the lungs after a deep breath. This simple yet effective test can easily be done at home, enabling patients to regularly track their respiratory health and detect any changes in their condition. Our collection includes a range of peak flow meters designed for both medical professionals and home users, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.
Using a peak flow meter is straightforward. Regular monitoring is advised, typically with two readings per day—one in the morning and one in the evening. Additional measurements should be taken during episodes of shortness of breath or before taking prescribed medications. These readings can provide vital information about your respiratory health, allowing you to make informed decisions in collaboration with your healthcare provider.
When performing peak flow measurements, focus on the highest reading obtained from a series of attempts. If the results are consistently decreasing, consult your doctor, as this might indicate unstable asthma. It's important to repeat the test if coughing occurs during the measurement, as it can lead to inaccurately low results. Rest adequately between tests to ensure precise readings.
A low peak flow reading can signal an impending asthma attack, even in the absence of other symptoms. Therefore, it is critical to take these readings seriously and incorporate them into your daily asthma management plan.
Our peak flow meters, such as the Microlife PF100 and MSA100, offer advanced features that measure Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1). These devices are suitable for both children and adults, providing accurate readings that can be easily tracked over time. With built-in memory capable of storing up to 240 readings, keeping a thorough record of your lung health has never been easier.
The interpretation of these measurements can be simplified using a color-coded system: green for well-controlled lung function, yellow for moderate concern requiring medication adjustment, and red for urgent medical attention. This traffic light system helps patients understand their lung health at a glance and take appropriate action.
Incorporating a peak flow meter into your daily routine can empower you to take control of your respiratory health, providing peace of mind and enhancing your quality of life. Whether for personal use or as part of a clinical toolkit, our range of peak flow meters is designed to support accurate, reliable health monitoring.